When talking about North London, there are certain areas that are affected by the Metropolitan Green Belt. The Metropolitan Green Belt controls urban growth in and around London. The belt is designed to maintain areas so that outdoor leisure and agriculture continues to thrive. From Barnet to Haringey, if you live in North London or the surrounding area, it’s important that you check with your architect what development rights you need to attain. You should also obtain a formal confirmation from the local authority in your area to ensure if the works are deemed as permitted development.
If you are thinking of completing building work on your London home and are wondering how the Metropolitan Green Belt might directly affect your permitted development rights, we are here to help.
What Are Permitted Development Rights?
Permitted Development Rights (also known as PD rights) are a scheme set by the Government which entitles certain homeowners the right to renovate or extend their home without having to gain planning permission.
It’s essential to know that within your permitted development rights, there are certain guidelines that lay out the type of conversion or extension projects you can undertake. For example, under the legislation, an extension should not be in front of your property, can’t be over 4 metres behind your home (an exception to this rule is if it’s under a larger home extension scheme) and can’t be over 50% of the surrounding land around your house.
If you are thinking of converting your loft, this can be included in your PD rights. However, a balcony is not – so ensure that you check that the conversion area is covered under your PD rights before construction.
Are There Any Restrictions?
Although permitted development rights are usually granted for the likes of roof extensions, rear extensions, porch extensions there are certain restrictions that can apply. For example, if you have a listed building, you live within a designated area, or within an AONB, permitted development rights might not be available to you.
They might also be redacted if you are within a Conservation Area, a National Park or World Heritage Site. These types of land are known as Article 2 (3) land. In London, the government set an Article 4 Direction which was used as a tool by the Local Planning Authority. This direction removes any permitted development rights that are in one of these areas. Many businesses in the capital have requested for support over this tool, to ensure that their location is safeguarded.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you can get PD rights in your area, contact Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors today.
Permitted Development Rights and Metropolitan Green Belt Land
You might be wondering if you have PD rights as you live within the Metropolitan Green Belt. And the simple answer is – yes! As mentioned above, PD rights are usually not available for those living within protected areas. But it’s interesting to know that Metropolitan Green Belt land is considered within a separate category. So if you live in North London, your PD rights are still applicable. An easier and quicker option than applying for simple planning permission, it’s favoured by many London homeowners that live within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
As well as asking the advice of your architect, we recommend that you ask them to draw up your project to ensure that your design aligns with your PD rights. Remember, even if planning permission isn’t needed, you should still consider applying for a Lawful Development Certificate.
What is a Lawful Development Certificate?
Although it isn’t technically a legal requirement, an LDC is certainly worthwhile to obtain in the long term. Designed to prove to both potential future buyers and your local authority that your renovation or extension project was completed legally, it will be delivered to you in as little as 2 months. It will also cover you if PD rights change.
An LDC is incredibly helpful for those within the Metropolitan Green Belt – as it is clear that rules regarding the use of the land could change as time goes on. In order to apply for an LDC, you will need to acquire;
• a formal site location plan
• an application form that you must fill out with all of the proposal details
• architectural elevations and plans
Get in Contact with Robert Rhodes Architecture + Interiors today
As a North London Architecture Practice, we are here to help with your renovation or extension project. You can contact us by either calling 020 3397 4733, by emailing us at info@robertrhodes.co.uk or by filling out our easy to use online form. We look forward to hearing from you and arranging your free consultation.
Image courtesy LSE paper A 21st Century Metropolitan Green Belt 2016
